The increase in attacks by the ADF rebel group in the territory of Irumu, in the province of Ituri, continues to sow terror and mourning among the local populations. In just one week, nearly ten people lost their lives, victims of this merciless violence.
Recently, two individuals were killed and another seriously injured during an ambush on the Buakadi-Tchabi center section. These tragic events come on top of a series of massacres hitting the region, pushing families already affected by displacement to flee once again to areas deemed safer.
The inhabitants of this border region with Uganda express their dismay in the face of this persistent insecurity. Local accounts point to a resurgence of ADF activity, despite a previous defeat of the DRC-Uganda military coalition a year ago. The precarious return to normal had nevertheless allowed many displaced people to return to their homes, but the latent threat from the rebels is compromising a fragile peace.
In this chaotic context, local notables are calling for an intensification of joint military operations by the Congolese and Ugandan armed forces in the region. Securing the civilian population is an absolute priority, while ADF violence continues to sow terror and disarray.
More than ever, cooperation between the two neighboring countries is crucial to put an end to these abuses and finally offer peace and stability to a battered population.